Ontario’s health minister says they are starting to see “glimmers of hope” that the latest COVID-19 wave is reaching its peak.
Current trends in COVID-19 data suggest Omicron could reach its peak by the end of the month with a peak in hospitalizations following closely behind.
Minister of Health Christine Elliott, Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kieran Moore, and Ontario Health CEO Matthew Anderson provided an update on the current COVID-19 situation in Ontario on Wednesday afternoon.
Recent data shows the positivity rate among those still being tested is stabilizing and now sits between 20 and 25 per cent.
Data also shows the average hospital stay for COVID-19 positive patients is around five days with the Omicron variant, compared to nine days with Delta.
“Together we have made an impact and we’ve made a difference and together these efforts will chart our path forward towards a safe and gradual reopening. We must stay cautious, we must stay disciplined, and never underestimate this virus as we look to take small steps forward,” said Moore.
An announcement on the gradual steps the province intends to take to reopen the economy is expected later this week.
Hospitalizations remain a concern in Ontario. There are just over 4,100 people admitted to hospitals who have tested positive for the virus. This is the highest number of hospitalizations the province has seen throughout the pandemic. Hospitalizations continue to grow, however, the rate of increase is starting to slow.
Currently, there are 571 COVID positive patients in intensive care units across the province. During the third wave of the pandemic, there was a peak of around 900 ICU admissions.
“Even with these key indicators going in the right direction, we don’t feel that. We don’t realize the benefits for a number of more weeks. We still have hospitals that are under very challenging circumstances as we deal with these rising numbers,” said Anderson.
Anderson also indicated hospitals are starting to see staff return to work after many had to isolate due to illness.